In the former Mariners CEO's announcement to step down, he also shared the planned sale of Nintendo of America's majority ownership.
Under the plan, Nintendo of America will retain a 10% stake in the team, while the remainder of its holdings will be sold to other members of First Avenue Entertainment LLLP (FAE).
"From the first day of our involvement nearly 24 years ago, Nintendo has had two goals for its investment in the Mariners," said Howard Lincoln. "First, we wanted to assure the permanence of the team in this great city. And on that count, I am proud and gratified that this agreement further solidifies that goal. On the other hand, I'm equally disappointed that we have not been able to host a World Series game for our fans."
Meanwhile, John Stanton, who has been a minority owner since 2000, will become the new point person for the ownership group.
Stanton a former wireless executive. Came through McCaw Cellular Communications.
— Cale Ramaker (@CaleKIRO7) April 27, 2016
John Stanton calling this a "transition" not a "transaction". Says this deal returns to Nintendo's original goal of all local ownership.
— Cale Ramaker (@CaleKIRO7) April 27, 2016
Here we go. Stanton: we want to win a World Series. We want to have a championship parade.
— Cale Ramaker (@CaleKIRO7) April 27, 2016
Lincoln, 76, has been the organization's CEO since September 1999, overseeing a pair of playoff teams, including the 2001 Mariners that won an MLB record 116 games in the regular season. In his 16 seasons at the post, the Mariners had seven winning seasons, last winning over 90 games in 2003, according to KIRO Radio.
He’s been credited with the team’s expansion into Japan, a market from which they’ve signed star players including Ichiro Suzuki, Hisashi Iwakuma and Kazuhiro Sasaki.
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